Gray, who signed a one-year contract for $645,000 on Monday, becomes the third quarterback behind starter Matt Schaub and Rosenfels, the subject of trade speculation since the Texans turned down Minnesota's offer of a third-round draft choice this month.

"I know what people are saying, but signing Quinn has absolutely nothing to do with it," Kubiak said about acquiring Gray to expedite a trade for Rosenfels. "I've been a two-quarterback type of guy, but what happened to us last season scared the heck out of me, and I don't want to go through that again."

End of musical chairs

The Texans played musical chairs with their third quarterback last season. Now, for the $40,000 signing bonus, they get a long look at Gray in the offseason program, minicamp, training camp and preseason.

Gray provides them with the kind of experience they lacked in the third spot in 2007.

Last year, veteran Bradlee Van Pelt and rookie Jared Zabransky went to camp behind Schaub and Rosenfels. Both were waived. Schaub missed five starts because of injuries. Rosenfels appeared in 10 games and was 4-1 as a starter.

With Schaub out, the Texans signed Shane Boyd to the practice squad in October and Craig Nall to the active roster in November. After Nall was waived, Boyd was activated as the backup behind Rosenfels.

"I don't know what we would have done if something had happened to Sage," Kubiak said. "I don't want to go through that again. I think my philosophy has changed. I've become more of a three-quarterback guy.

Experience at third spot

"I'm excited to get Quinn. We watched tape of him, and we like what we saw. He's a big kid (6-3, 254) who's been in the league five years. Last season, he helped Jacksonville make the playoffs by winning at Tampa Bay and Tennessee."

As a starter, Gray lost to New Orleans and the Texans. He had four touchdown passes and no interceptions in the 42-28 defeat at Reliant Stadium.

"Of course, that played a role in our interest in Quinn, but we liked him before that," Kubiak said. "Now we have three experienced quarterbacks, and I feel real good about the situation."

Kubiak and general manager Rick Smith would like to get back the second-round pick they gave to Atlanta last year in the trade for Schaub.

Gray gives the Texans flexibility. He could be insurance in case the Texans are offered a second-round pick by Minnesota or any other team. When opposing quarterbacks are injured in preseason, they might be able to trade Gray for a draft choice or a player.